Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Auburn, Alabama
50.5% Acceptance Rate
Auburn University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
50.5%Acceptance Rate
3.97Avg GPA
1318Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$34,402Annual Cost
$65,337Grad Salary
12.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
50.5%
Avg GPA
3.97
Avg SAT
1318
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1240–1380
ACT Middle 50%
25–31
Avg Net Price
$23,897
Need-Based Aid
12.3% receive Pell
Auburn University AL Auburn University, founded in 1856, is a comprehensive public land-grant institution known for its outstanding programs in engineering, veterinary medicine, and business. Ranked among the top 100 public universities by U.S. News, Auburn's research expenditures exceed $200 million annually. The beautiful 1,841-acre campus features iconic landmarks like Samford Hall and state-of-the-art facilities including the Harbert College of Business building.\n\nAuburn's athletic teams compete in the SEC, with particularly strong football and swimming programs. The university's cooperative education program is one of the nation's oldest and most respected. Recent initiatives include the $80 million Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory and the Rural Studio architecture program, which has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to community development.
Auburn University Acceptance Rate
At 50.5%, admission to Auburn University is achievable for most students who meet the basic academic profile.
What Auburn University Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 50.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.97 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.77 – 3.96
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.52
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Auburn University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark September 15 for Auburn University (Early Action — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 36 days left — Early Action
Early Action
September 15
Early Action
October 15
Early Action
November 15
Early Action
December 1
Regular Decision
February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 16, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Auburn University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Auburn University is 3.97. That makes admissions here extremely selective. Most admitted students carry straight A's, with very little room for a B.
If your GPA sits between 3.67 and 3.97, a high SAT or ACT score is the most reliable way to compensate.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 4.17–4.37.Auburn University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: This tier demands elite, top-of-class academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: Pair the GPA with heavy Course Rigor, including AP, IB, or Honors, to back it up.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.97 – 4.00
Academic Target
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.77 – 3.96
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.57 – 3.76
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.56
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Academic rigor is a significant factor in competitive review.
- Early applications improve scholarship opportunities.
- Major selection may affect admission competitiveness.
- Leadership and sustained involvement strengthen applications.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Auburn University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Auburn University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Auburn University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Auburn University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Auburn University Without SAT or ACT?
Auburn University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Auburn University Average SAT Score: 1318
Admitted students at Auburn University average a 1318 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1318 — Competitive
A 1318 average is a respectable, above-average benchmark nationally.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1380 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Auburn University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1240? A retake is worth it at Auburn University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 650 | 610 | 690 |
| SAT Reading | 660 | 630 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1318 | 1240 | 1380 |
A score under 1240 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1380+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Auburn University with a 1400 SAT?
At 1400, your SAT is squarely in Auburn University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Auburn University ACT Requirements
Auburn University's admitted students average an ACT of 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
An average of 28 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 29 |
| ACT English | 29 | 25 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 31 |
Can I get into Auburn University with a 31 ACT?
At 31, you're in the top quarter of Auburn University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Auburn University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Auburn University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into Auburn University isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Exceed Minimum Academic Benchmarks
Auburn University receives applications from many academically strong students. Competitive applicants should pursue rigorous coursework, maintain strong grades, and demonstrate readiness for challenging university study. Academic rigor often matters as much as overall GPA in admission review.
Apply Before Priority Deadlines
Because Auburn operates within a competitive admissions environment, early submission provides advantages in scholarship review and program consideration. Applicants should ensure transcripts, test information if applicable, and supporting materials are submitted well ahead of deadlines.
Demonstrate Meaningful Extracurricular Impact
Admissions reviewers value sustained commitment and leadership. Rather than participating in numerous activities superficially, students should highlight meaningful involvement, initiative, and measurable contributions within organizations, projects, athletics, or community service.
Align Academic Interests with Auburn Strengths
Applicants interested in engineering, business, agriculture, aviation, and related fields should clearly articulate educational objectives. Demonstrating awareness of institutional strengths and academic opportunities can support a compelling application narrative.
Expert Insight:
Many applicants underestimate the competitive nature of Auburn admissions. Meeting published averages does not guarantee admission, especially for sought-after majors and scholarship programs.
Auburn University Profile
Full Name
Auburn University
City
Auburn
State
Alabama
ZIP Code
36849
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Auburn University Degree Worth It?
At $34,402/year against a $65,337 median graduate salary, Auburn University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $59,000, and graduates see a 3.14% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Auburn University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $34,402/year at Auburn University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $23,897.
At Auburn University, 12.3% receive a Pell Grant and 27% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Auburn University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Auburn University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Auburn University graduates report a median income of $65,337, about 61% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Auburn University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Auburn University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Lake Forest College | Lake Forest, IL | 1309 | 30 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Auburn University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
Degree Programs at Auburn University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Auburn University Admissions
Auburn University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $65,337/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Auburn University is moderate, around $34,402/year; many students supplement with aid.
12.3% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. Auburn University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Auburn University's acceptance rate is 50.5%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Auburn University students is 3.97, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.67 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Auburn University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.57 or below makes admission tougher at Auburn University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Auburn University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1318, and within the 1240–1380 range, keeps you competitive.
Auburn University's deadline is September 15 (Early Action).
Auburn University charges an application fee of 50; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before February 16, 2026. That's Auburn University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.